Having promised plenty with his bat some four seasons ago, Sudhindra Shinde had slowly faded into oblivion. Owing to loss of form at some stages and to injuries at times, Shinde had to make way for others in the side. With the new season just round the corner, the middle-order batsman has been notching up big scores in various tournaments to stake his claim for a place in the State squad.

As a further proof of his growing appetite for runs, Shinde slammed an authoritative ton and almost single-handedly powered Karnataka to a healthy 293 for five in 88 overs at close on the opening day of their four-day practice match against a Bengal XI at the RSI ground here on Thursday.

Electing to bat first, Karnataka suffered early jitters losing openers Bharath Chipli and Barrington Rowland rather cheaply.
Shinde, coming in at number three, joined forces with Deepak Chougule to steady the ship.
Fine knock
Though Chougule (36, 53b, 7x4) didn’t last long, Shinde held one end up and collected runs at will. The right-hander was eventually out after scoring a fine 148 that came off a mere 209 balls with the help of 23 hits to the rope and two over it.

Skipper Goud played a patient knock and remained unbeaten on 53 (133, 6x4).
Stumper Devraj Patil (13) was giving him the company at the middle. For the visitors, medium-pacer Shibshankar Paul took two for 47.

Brief scores: Karnataka XI: 293/5 in 88 overs (Sudhindra Shinde 148, Deepak Chougule 36, Yere Goud 53 batting; Shibshankar Paul 2-47) vs Bengal XI.